Peptide Therapy Guide

Growth Hormone and Performance Peptides: Monographs

By
1 Comment

This group splits cleanly in two: FDA-approved secretagogues such as sermorelin and tesamorelin, and a much larger set of research-stage compounds sold for physique and recovery goals.

This group splits cleanly in two: FDA-approved secretagogues such as sermorelin and tesamorelin, and a much larger set of research-stage compounds sold for physique and recovery goals.

Peptides covered in this chapter

B7-33, CJC-1295, CJC-1295 (no DAC), Ipamorelin 10mg (Blend), CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin, Follistatin, Follistatin 315, Follistatin 344, GHRH, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin, Ipamorelin, PEG MGF, Sermorelin, Tesamorelin, Tesamorelin, CJC-1295 (no DAC), Ipamorelin 12mg (Blend)

Peptide Reported dose figures
Dihexa 20 mg, 50 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg
Fraternine 1 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.3 mg
PE-22-28 0.1-10 mg/kg, 1-2 mg/kg, 10-15 mg/kg, 0.5-5 mg
Pinealon 0.1–0.3 mg, 200 mcg, 20 mg, 10 mg
Selank 250 mcg, 1 mg, 500 mcg, 3 mg
Semax 300-600 mcg, 100-500 mcg, 500 mcg, 300 mcg
Vilon 5-10 mg, 5 mg/week, 10-20 mg, 5 mg
VIP 6mg 6mg, 100-400 mcg, 200-600 mcg, 200-400 mcg
B7-33 13.3 µg/kg, 500 µg/kg, 100–500 µg, 200–400 µg
CJC-1295 2 mg, 1-2 mg, 1 mg, 0.5 mg
CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin 10 mg, 300 mcg, 100–300 mcg, 100 mcg
Follistatin 100-300 mcg, 200-300 mcg, 100-200 mcg, 250-500 mcg
Follistatin 315 100-300 mcg, 100 mcg, 50-100 mcg, 100-200 mcg
Follistatin 344 200 mcg, 300 mcg, 100 mcg, 100-300 mcg
GHRH 1-10 mcg/kg, 1-3 mcg/kg, 3-5 mcg/kg, 1 mcg/kg
GHRP-2 100 to 300 mcg

B7-33

Dosing

  • B7-33 is research-only. It is not FDA-approved, not available through compounding pharmacies, and has no validated human clinical dosing established in Phase 2 or Phase 3 trials. All dosing information in this guide comes from animal studies and practitioner-reported protocols.
  • Animal study doses have ranged from approximately 13.3 µg/kg (acute intravenous bolus in rats) to 500 µg/kg/day (subcutaneous infusion in rodent cardiac models), with significant variation by route and research objective.
  • Practitioner-reported subcutaneous doses for human research use typically fall in the range of 100–500 µg per injection, administered once or twice daily — though no dose-ranging human trial exists to validate these figures.
  • Half-life is short — estimated at under 30 minutes in serum under standard conditions , which is a primary driver of interest in lipidated analogs designed to extend circulation time.

Common side effects

  • B7-33 is a research-only peptide, not FDA-approved for clinical use.
  • Common side effects include injection site reactions and mild headaches.
  • Serious side effects are rare but may include cardiovascular implications.

Cost and access

  • B7-33 is currently available only as a research-grade peptide, costing $150-$500 per vial from licensed research suppliers
  • The peptide is not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use, making traditional insurance coverage impossible
  • Research institutions typically pay $200-$300 per milligram for high-purity B7-33 through established peptide manufacturers

Data points extracted from source articles: Reported dose figures: 13.3 µg/kg, 500 µg/kg, 100–500 µg, 200–400 µg, 100 µg · Routes mentioned: subcutaneous, oral, intravenous · Price points: $200, $150, $500, $300

CJC-1295

Dosing

  • Standard CJC-1295 dosage ranges from 1-2 mg per week administered via subcutaneous injection, typically divided into 2-3 doses
  • The peptide has a half-life of approximately 6-8 days due to albumin binding, allowing for less frequent dosing compared to unmodified GHRH
  • Most clinical protocols start with 1 mg weekly and titrate up to 2 mg weekly over 4-6 weeks based on tolerance and IGF-1 response
  • CJC-1295 is currently classified as a research peptide by the FDA and is not approved for therapeutic use outside clinical trials

Data points extracted from source articles: Reported dose figures: 2 mg, 1-2 mg, 1 mg, 0.5 mg, 300-500 mcg · Routes mentioned: subcutaneous, intramuscular

CJC-1295 (no DAC), Ipamorelin 10mg (Blend)

Common side effects

  • Common side effects of CJC-1295 (no DAC), Ipamorelin 10mg (Blend) include injection site reactions and mild headaches.
  • Serious risks are rare but can include significant hormonal imbalances.
  • Discuss potential interactions with existing medications with your healthcare provider.

Cost and access

  • CJC-1295 (no DAC), Ipamorelin 10mg (Blend) costs $200-$800 monthly through research peptide programs, with consultation fees adding $150-$500 initially
  • This peptide blend is research-only and not FDA-approved, limiting availability to specialized research clinics and academic programs
  • Insurance does not cover research-only peptides, making all costs out-of-pocket expenses

Data points extracted from source articles: Routes mentioned: subcutaneous, oral, topical · Price points: $200, $600, $150, $500

CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin

Also written as: CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin

Timeline for Results : Many patients begin to notice changes within 1 to 3 months, with more pronounced effects typically observed by 6 months.

Regulatory status

  • CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved for any indication. Neither peptide has an approved New Drug Application (NDA) or Biologics License Application (BLA).
  • Both peptides are currently classified as Category 1 bulk drug substances under FDA compounding regulations, meaning licensed 503A and 503B pharmacies can legally compound them for patients with a valid prescription.
  • A prescription from a licensed physician is required — there is no legal over-the-counter pathway for CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin in the United States.

Dosing

  • Standard dose: 100–300 mcg of CJC-1295 (no DAC) combined with 100–300 mcg of ipamorelin per injection, given subcutaneously — most protocols start at 100 mcg of each, once or twice daily, and titrate up.
  • The 10 mg blend: Many clinics dispense CJC-1295 (no DAC) + ipamorelin as a single 10 mg blended vial. Reconstitution volume sets your concentration, and your concentration sets how many syringe units each dose is.
  • Timing matters: Inject 30–60 minutes before meals or at bedtime on an empty stomach to align with natural growth hormone (GH) pulses.
  • Half-lives differ: CJC-1295 no DAC (mod GRF 1-29) has a short ~30-minute half-life, so it is dosed frequently; the DAC-modified version lasts 6–8 days. Ipamorelin clears in ~2 hours.

Results and timeline

  • Timeline for Results : Many patients begin to notice changes within 1 to 3 months, with more pronounced effects typically observed by 6 months.
  • Realistic Outcomes : Clinical data suggests improvements in body composition, energy levels, and recovery rates, though results vary.
  • Factors Influencing Results : Diet, exercise, and adherence to dosing schedules significantly impact the effectiveness of the therapy.

Cost and access

  • Monthly CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin therapy costs range from $200-$800 depending on dosage, source, and clinic program structure
  • Compounded versions typically cost 40-60% less than brand-name formulations at $200-$400 per month
  • Most commercial insurance plans do not cover CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin for anti-aging or performance enhancement indications

Data points extracted from source articles: Reported dose figures: 10 mg, 300 mcg, 100–300 mcg, 100 mcg, 5 mg · Routes mentioned: subcutaneous, oral, nasal · Price points: $200, $400, $300, $600

Follistatin

Regulatory status

  • Follistatin is not FDA-approved for any human indication as of March 2026. Its regulatory classification is research use only.
  • Compounding pharmacies cannot legally dispense follistatin to patients under 503A or 503B frameworks, because it is not on the FDA’s approved bulk drug substance list for compounding.
  • “Research use only” is not a prescribing pathway. It’s a label that restricts use to qualified research settings — not clinics, not individual patients.

Dosing

  • Standard Dosage Range : Follistatin is commonly dosed between 100-300 mcg per administration, depending on the form and therapeutic goal.
  • Administration Method : Typically administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection, with some experimental forms available.
  • Typical Cycle Length : Cycles often range from 4 to 6 weeks, with breaks in between to assess effects and manage tolerance.
  • Regulatory Status : Follistatin is not FDA-approved and is available for research purposes only.

Common side effects

  • Follistatin remains research-only with no FDA approval, limiting comprehensive human safety data
  • Most documented side effects come from preclinical studies and limited research protocols
  • Common research-reported effects include injection site reactions (reported in 15-25% of research subjects) and transient inflammatory responses

Data points extracted from source articles: Reported dose figures: 100-300 mcg, 200-300 mcg, 100-200 mcg, 250-500 mcg, 50-100 mcg · Routes mentioned: subcutaneous, intramuscular, oral

Follistatin 315

Follistatin 315 is not FDA-approved and is available for research purposes only.

Regulatory status

  • Current FDA Status : Follistatin 315 is not FDA-approved and is classified for research purposes only.
  • Compounding Legality : It cannot be compounded by 503A or 503B pharmacies due to its research-only designation.
  • Prescription and Research Use : Available solely for research use; cannot be legally prescribed for therapeutic purposes.

Dosing

  • Standard Dosage Range : Typically varies between 100-300 mcg per day depending on administration route and therapeutic goals.
  • Administration Method : Primarily administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.
  • Typical Cycle Length : Ranges from 4 to 8 weeks, with possible tapering.
  • Regulatory Status : Not FDA-approved; available for research purposes only.

Common side effects

  • Follistatin 315 is not FDA-approved and is available for research purposes only.
  • Common side effects may include injection site reactions and flu-like symptoms.
  • Serious side effects are rare but may include immune responses due to protein-based therapy.

Results and timeline

  • Follistatin 315 is not FDA-approved and is available for research purposes only.
  • Clinical trials primarily focus on preclinical and animal studies; human data is limited.
  • Effects on muscle growth may become noticeable within weeks, but significant changes typically require months.

Data points extracted from source articles: Reported dose figures: 100-300 mcg, 100 mcg, 50-100 mcg, 100-200 mcg, 200 mcg · Routes mentioned: subcutaneous, intramuscular, oral · Price points: $200, $500, $150, $600

Follistatin 344

Follistatin 344 is not FDA-approved and remains available only for research purposes, with limited human clinical data on therapeutic outcomes

Regulatory status

  • Follistatin 344 is not FDA-approved for any human indication and carries a “research use only” classification in the United States.
  • Licensed compounding pharmacies cannot legally compound Follistatin 344 for human use under current FDA guidance.
  • Selling Follistatin 344 labeled for human use — including via “research chemical” vendors — places both the seller and potentially the buyer in legal jeopardy.

Dosing

  • Standard dosage range : 100-300 mcg subcutaneously, administered 2-3 times per week for research applications
  • Half-life : Approximately 3-4 hours following subcutaneous injection, requiring frequent dosing for sustained effects
  • Regulatory status : Not FDA-approved and prohibited by WADA; available for research purposes only
  • Administration method : Subcutaneous injection using 29-31 gauge insulin syringes into abdominal or thigh tissue

Results and timeline

  • Follistatin 344 is not FDA-approved and remains available only for research purposes, with limited human clinical data on therapeutic outcomes
  • Transgenic pig studies show approximately 15-20% increases in skeletal muscle mass with follistatin-344 expression
  • Case series report central serous chorioretinopathy in 11 bodybuilders using high-dose subcutaneous injections

Cost and access

  • Follistatin 344 costs $200-$800 per month through research supply companies, with pricing varying significantly by purity grade and supplier certification
  • The peptide lacks FDA approval for therapeutic use, limiting insurance coverage and requiring cash payment for most research applications
  • Research-grade vials (1mg-5mg) typically range from $150-$400, with higher concentrations commanding premium pricing

Data points extracted from source articles: Reported dose figures: 200 mcg, 300 mcg, 100 mcg, 100-300 mcg, 100-150 mcg · Routes mentioned: subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous · Price points: $200, $400, $150, $500

GHRH

Dosing

  • GHRH is available for research purposes only and is not FDA-approved for therapeutic use
  • Standard research dosages range from 1-10 mcg/kg body weight administered subcutaneously
  • The peptide has a half-life of 7-10 minutes in plasma, requiring careful timing considerations
  • Subcutaneous administration shows 60-80% bioavailability compared to intravenous delivery

Common side effects

  • GHRH is not FDA-approved and is available for research purposes only.
  • Common side effects include injection site reactions, headaches, and nausea.
  • Serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions and changes in blood glucose levels.

Cost and access

  • GHRH is not FDA-approved for therapeutic use and is available for research purposes only, significantly limiting access and affecting pricing structures
  • Research-grade GHRH costs approximately $150-$400 per month from licensed research chemical suppliers, with purity levels of 95-99%
  • No insurance coverage exists for GHRH as it lacks FDA approval for any medical indication

Data points extracted from source articles: Reported dose figures: 1-10 mcg/kg, 1-3 mcg/kg, 3-5 mcg/kg, 1 mcg/kg, 50 mcg/kg · Routes mentioned: subcutaneous, intravenous, oral · Price points: $50, $25, $500, $200

GHRP-2

Dosing

  • Standard Dosage Range: GHRP-2 is typically administered in doses ranging from 100 to 300 mcg per injection.
  • Administration Method: Most commonly delivered via subcutaneous injection, though other forms exist.
  • Typical Cycle Length: Often used in cycles of 4 to 12 weeks, with possible breaks in between.
  • Regulatory Status: GHRP-2 is not FDA-approved and is available for research purposes only.

Common side effects

  • GHRP-2 is not FDA-approved and is intended for research purposes only.
  • Common side effects include headache, dizziness, and increased appetite.
  • Serious side effects are rare but may include joint swelling and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Data points extracted from source articles: Reported dose figures: 100 to 300 mcg · Routes mentioned: subcutaneous, oral

GHRP-6

Dosing

  • Standard GHRP-6 dosage ranges from 100-300 mcg subcutaneously, administered 2-3 times daily for optimal growth hormone release.
  • The peptide has a molecular weight of 873.01 Da and a plasma half-life of approximately 15-20 minutes, requiring multiple daily administrations.
  • Subcutaneous injection remains the preferred route with 95-98% bioavailability compared to oral forms (less than 5% bioavailability).
  • Typical treatment cycles last 8-12 weeks with 4-week breaks to prevent receptor desensitization and maintain endogenous GH pulsatility.

Data points extracted from source articles: Reported dose figures: 100-300 mcg, 1-2 mcg/kg, 300 mcg · Routes mentioned: subcutaneous, oral

Hexarelin

Dosing

  • Standard dosage range : 100-200 mcg administered subcutaneously 1-3 times daily, with most protocols using 100 mcg twice daily
  • Administration method : Subcutaneous injection using 29-31 gauge insulin syringes, rotated between abdomen, thigh, and upper arm sites
  • Typical cycle length : 8-16 weeks with mandatory 4-8 week breaks to prevent desensitization of growth hormone secretagogue receptors
  • Half-life : Approximately 70 minutes, requiring multiple daily doses for sustained growth hormone elevation

Data points extracted from source articles: Reported dose figures: 100 mcg, 50 mcg, 100-200 mcg, 200 mcg, 2-3 mg · Routes mentioned: subcutaneous, oral, intramuscular

Ipamorelin

Dosing

  • Standard Ipamorelin dosage ranges from 200-300 mcg per injection, typically administered subcutaneously.
  • Administration is most commonly recommended once or twice daily, depending on therapeutic goals.
  • Typical cycle lengths vary from 8 to 12 weeks, with adjustments based on individual response and goals.
  • Ipamorelin is currently classified for research use only by the FDA, emphasizing the need for medical supervision.

Data points extracted from source articles: Reported dose figures: 200-300 mcg, 200 mcg, 100 mcg, 250 mcg · Routes mentioned: subcutaneous, intramuscular

PEG MGF

Regulatory status

  • PEG MGF is not FDA-approved for any human indication. Its regulatory designation is “research use only,” which is not a prescription pathway — it’s a research laboratory classification.
  • Compounding pharmacies cannot legally produce PEG MGF for human use under current FDA guidance, because it lacks the approval status required for inclusion on the bulk drug substance lists that govern 503A and 503B compounding.
  • Buying PEG MGF online from vendors marketing it as a “research chemical” does not make the purchase legal for personal use. The “research use only” label is a seller’s disclaimer, not a legal safe harbor for buyers.

Dosing

  • PEG MGF is available for research purposes only and is not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use
  • Standard research dosing ranges from 100-500 mcg per injection , administered subcutaneously 2-3 times per week
  • The PEGylation extends half-life to approximately 72-96 hours , allowing for less frequent dosing compared to native MGF
  • Typical research cycles last 4-8 weeks with injection sites rotated between abdomen, thigh, and upper arm

Common side effects

  • PEG MGF is not FDA-approved and remains available only for research purposes, with limited human safety data compared to approved peptide therapies
  • Common reported side effects include injection site reactions (occurring in approximately 30-40% of research subjects), mild hypoglycemia, and transient joint discomfort
  • The PEGylation process extends the peptide’s half-life to approximately 24-48 hours, potentially prolonging both therapeutic effects and adverse reactions

Cost and access

  • PEG MGF costs $200-800 per month for research purposes, with significant variation based on dosing protocol and supplier
  • FDA classification as research-only means no insurance coverage and limited legal access through licensed research facilities
  • Initial consultation fees range from $150-400, with ongoing monitoring costs of $100-200 per visit

Data points extracted from source articles: Reported dose figures: 200-400 mcg, 200-300 mcg, 100-200 mcg, 100-150 mcg, 500 mcg · Routes mentioned: subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous · Price points: $150, $200, $400, $100

Sermorelin

Sermorelin is a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog used primarily for anti-aging and growth hormone deficiencies.

Dosing

  • Standard Dosage Range: Sermorelin is typically dosed between 100-500 mcg per day, depending on the therapeutic goal.
  • Administration Method: The most common administration route is subcutaneous injection, offering effective bioavailability.
  • Typical Cycle Length: Sermorelin is often used in cycles of 3-6 months, with periodic evaluations for efficacy and safety.
  • Regulatory Status: Sermorelin is an FDA-approved compoundable peptide for growth hormone deficiency.

Common side effects

  • Common side effects of Sermorelin include injection site reactions, flushing, and headache.
  • Rare but serious side effects can occur, such as allergic reactions and changes in blood sugar levels.
  • Sermorelin is administered via subcutaneous injection, which can influence side effect profiles.

Results and timeline

  • Typical Timelines : Patients may begin to notice changes within 4-6 weeks, with more significant results often reported after 3-6 months.
  • Realistic Outcomes : Many patients experience improvements in energy levels, body composition, and sleep quality.
  • Influencing Factors : Diet, exercise, dosing compliance, and individual health conditions significantly impact results.

Data points extracted from source articles: Reported dose figures: 100 mcg, 100-500 mcg, 200 mcg, 500 mcg, 200-400 mcg · Routes mentioned: subcutaneous, oral, topical · Price points: $150, $400, $300, $200

Tesamorelin

Regulatory status

  • Tesamorelin is FDA-approved under the brand names EGRIFTA SV and EGRIFTA WR, specifically for reducing excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected adults with lipodystrophy.
  • That approval is narrow. Using or prescribing tesamorelin for any other purpose — including general body composition, anti-aging, or athletic performance — is not “off-label prescribing” in the traditional sense. It’s a more complicated legal situation (explained below).
  • Compounding tesamorelin is restricted. FDA has placed tesamorelin on its list of bulk drug substances that raise significant concerns for compounding, which limits what 503A and 503B pharmacies can legally do with it.

Dosing

  • Standard Tesamorelin dosage ranges from 1-2 mg administered subcutaneously once daily, typically in the evening
  • The peptide has a half-life of approximately 26-38 minutes with subcutaneous bioavailability of 4-7%
  • Most clinical protocols use 12-26 week cycles with gradual dose escalation starting at 1 mg daily
  • Tesamorelin is FDA-approved as EGRIFTA SV and EGRIFTA WR for reducing excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy; every other use discussed here is off-label

Common side effects

  • Common Side Effects : Injection site reactions, headache, and nausea are frequently reported.
  • Serious Risks : Potential for glucose intolerance and hypersensitivity reactions.
  • Administration Route : Subcutaneous injections can influence local site reactions.

Data points extracted from source articles: Reported dose figures: 2 mg, 1-2 mg, 1 mg, 0.5 mg, 50 units · Routes mentioned: subcutaneous, oral, intramuscular

Tesamorelin, CJC-1295 (no DAC), Ipamorelin 12mg (Blend)

Regulatory status

  • The Tesamorelin, CJC-1295 (no DAC), Ipamorelin 12mg Blend is not FDA-approved for any human clinical indication and carries a research use only classification as of March 2026.
  • Tesamorelin as a standalone drug (brand name EGRIFTA SV®) holds FDA approval specifically for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, but this approval does not extend to blended formulations with CJC-1295 or Ipamorelin.
  • CJC-1295 (no DAC) and Ipamorelin individually appeared on the FDA’s 503B bulk drug substance “Category 2” list — meaning the FDA has determined they present known safety risks that preclude their use in compounded preparations intended for human use.

Dosing

  • Standard Dosage Range: Typically ranges between 0.5 mg to 2 mg, depending on the peptide and administration route.
  • Administration Method: Primarily subcutaneous injection, with specific protocols for injection sites and timing.
  • Typical Cycle Length: Cycles generally last 8-12 weeks, with variations based on individual response and goals.
  • Regulatory Status: Not FDA-approved; available for research purposes only.

Data points extracted from source articles: Reported dose figures: 12mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg · Routes mentioned: subcutaneous, intramuscular

This article is part of the Peptide Therapy Complete Guide

Previous: Chapter 14. Weight Loss and Metabolic Peptides: Monographs

Next: Chapter 16. Tissue Repair and Healing Peptides: Monographs

Weight Loss and Metabolic Peptides: Monographs
Tissue Repair and Healing Peptides: Monographs

Comments

  • Immune and Inflammatory Peptides: Monographs – PeptideSCM.net
    Reply

    […] Chapter 15. Growth Hormone and Performance Peptides: Monographs […]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign In

Don't have an account yet? Register

Forgot password?

Register

Reset Password

Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email.